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Priceless point
By Nigel Biddlecombe
WEYMOUTH produced a superb performance to take away a vital
point in the fight against the drop in the Blue Square Premier
at the Abbey Stadium.
The only change to the Terras' starting XI saw new loan signing
Matthew Bailey make his debut in place of the injured Paolo
Vernazza.
Meanwhile, keeper Jon Stewart, who left Weymouth earlier
this season, took a spot on the substitutes' bench.
A strong wind blew heavy sleet across the pitch almost from
the kick off and the Terras - with the elements at their backs
- were quickest out of the blocks.
Inside four minutes Kyle Critchell and Simon Weatherstone
both saw crosses elude everyone before James Coutts was just
beaten to another Critchell cross at the expense of a corner.
Weatherstone took the kick and debutant Bailey saw his header
go narrowly wide of the home goal.
Tony Bedeau sent his shot over the bar before the home side
had their first opportunity as Lee Boylan's cross caused confusion
in the Terras' penalty area, but Scott Doe was on hand to clear.
Bedeau did well to beat Wayne Hatswell to Stephen Henderson's
long clearance and find Weather-stone with a good ball from
the right. However, the Terras' midfielder saw his shot deflected
over the crossbar.
Chris Blackburn was on hand to head clear - at the expense of
a corner - from Michael Morrison's cross and Cambridge missed
a great chance to open the scoring when Courtney Pitt's corner
was met by Mark Albrighton who directed his header into the
ground allowing Henderson to grab the loose ball.
Bailey was off target with another header from Weatherstone's
free-kick before injuries caused the visitors to rearrange
their side.
Firstly Critchell failed to overcome a knock and was replaced
by Jake Hyde - with Bailey moving into the back four - after
42 minutes and then Hyde went down under his first challenge
of the game and had to be carried off on a stretcher. Michael
Malcolm was called into action to replace the young Swindon
Town loanee.
The second half was delayed as the ground staff worked to
clear the snow that had settled during the interval and when
it did get underway Nick Crittenden replaced Stuart Beavon
as Weymouth switched to a five-man midfield in an effort to
combat the elements.
Within 40 seconds of the restart another Weatherstone free-kick
found Bailey in space only for ex-Terra Danny Potter to save
his headed effort.
Hatswell and Rob Wolleaston combined well on the left and
when the latter released Jack Jeffrey the on-loan West Ham
man curled a great shot just wide of an upright.
Pitt shot wide, Henderson saved at the feet of Jeffrey and
then held Albrighton's header from Hatswell's free-kick.
With the conditions now in their favour Cambridge forced
Weymouth on to the back foot, but the visitors' defence showed
great determination. Skipper Trevor Challis - making his 100th
appearance for the club - epitomised this attitude with a
brave block as Wolleaston shot from just inside the area.
Magnus Viera, Morrison and Pitt all had chances for Cambridge,
but the finish was lacking and the Terras' back-line held
firm.
It looked as though Weymouth might take all three points
when - in the 84th minute - Weatherstone played a great ball
into the path of Bedeau. Albrighton though, just managed to
get a foot to the ball, which looped narrowly over the crossbar
with Potter struggling to regain his position.
Hatswell fired his free-kick into the solid defensive wall
two minutes into stoppage time, but John Hollins' men were
not to be denied a valuable point in their battle to move
away from the relegation zone.
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